Beta-Carotene > to ensure & enhance animal fertility

Beta-carotene (β-carotene) occurs in nature, in particular in green plants. In addition to the varying amounts in individual plant feedstuffs, climate harvesting, degree of wilting, type of preservation (drying, ensiling) and storage time all affect the content.

Investigations show that beta-carotene has a positive effect on the fertility process of male and female cattle. Comparable investigations also exist for other animal species such as breeding mares, sows and rabbits. It was also possible to observe an increase in the powers of resistance against infectious rearing diseases in young animals. The utilization of beta-carotene is dependent on the animal species and on the carotene and vitamin A supply status.

Deficiency symptoms

A deficiency of beta-carotene occurs during the keeping of animals indoors, and when using feedstuff with poor beta-carotene content. Depending on the degree and duration of the deficit, the following deficiency symptoms can occur:

Silent oestrus

Retarded ovulation

Lack of fertility, for example return to oestrus

Embryonic death, early abortion

Increased susceptibility to rearing and infectious diseases

Brands

Lucarotin®

Properties

Lucarotin® 10% Feed NXT is a dry powder formulation which dissolves slowly in cold water, more rapidly in warm water (40°C) and finally disintegrates to form a dispersion. The product is stabilized with ethoxyquine. Lucarotin® 10% Feed NXT contains at least 10% beta-carotene.

Applications

Lucarotin® 10% Feed NXT is used to ensure or enhance animal fertility. The utilization of beta-carotene is dependent on the animal species and on the carotene and vitamin A supply status. Beta-carotene has a provitamin A activity which is at maximum 2:1 for poultry and rats. For other species the exchange rate is lower. Maximum possible exchange rate is also depending on the vitamin A content of the ration.